Tucked into the rolling hills of Edwardsville in Madison County, Bohm Woods Nature Preserve is a 92-acre pocket of old-growth forest that feels worlds away from the nearby St. Louis metro. Established in 2006, this state-designated preserve protects one of the finest remaining upland forests in southwestern Illinois — a landscape of towering oaks, hickories, and sugar maples that predates European settlement.

What makes Bohm Woods genuinely special is its old-growth character. Many of the trees here are well over 150 years old, creating a dense canopy that transforms with the seasons. In spring, the forest floor erupts with wildflowers — Virginia bluebells, trilliums, and bloodroot carpet the ground before the canopy leafs out. Fall brings some of the most vivid color in the region.

Visitors come primarily for hiking and nature observation. A network of well-maintained trails winds through the preserve, ranging from easy loops to moderate terrain with some elevation change along the wooded ridges. Birdwatchers will find the preserve particularly rewarding, with woodpeckers, warblers, and barred owls among the regulars. The preserve also draws photographers and botany enthusiasts interested in its native plant communities.

Camping information is not currently confirmed for this location — check with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources before planning an overnight trip.

The best time to visit is mid-April through May for wildflower season, or mid-October for peak fall color. Summer offers deep shade and cooler temperatures under the canopy. With a 4.5-star rating across 51 reviews, Bohm Woods consistently earns praise from visitors who discover this quiet, beautiful preserve.

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